When people think about “dog attacks,” they tend to think of large-breed dogs that have a reputation for causing serious injuries – like pit bulls and Akitas or the like.
As it happens, you’re more likely to encounter an aggressive Chihuahua than you are anything else. Studies have consistently shown that small dogs tend to be more volatile and likely to bite than large-breed dogs. The causes generally include:
1. Poor training
Researchers found that there’s definitely a “human factor” involved in the way that small dogs behave. Because small dogs are seen as relatively harmless, their owners tend to put less effort into training them out of bad behavior. Their aggressive tendencies are even regarded with amusement, instead of provoking concern.
2. Breed behavior
Small breeds like the Chihuahua, Miniature Schnauzer and Miniature Poodle all rank high for levels of aggression, while large breeds like English Mastiffs and Newfoundlands are known for being amazingly gentle. Some of the problems, then, can likely be attributed to temperament.
3. Self-protection
To be fair to small dogs, their innate aggression may have a lot to do with the fact that they’re more vulnerable than their larger peers. A fearful dog can be a violent dog.
4. Physical problems
Finally, small dogs tend to live far longer than larger dogs, and that makes them prone to age-related conditions that affect their moods. Joint pain, poor vision and dementia can all be factors that increase aggression.
While the idea of an aggressive Shi Tzu may seem relatively harmless compared to the bite from a Bulldog, the reality is that any dog attack can leave the victim with puncture wounds that are prone to infection, scars and a lifetime of anxiety around other animals. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, regardless of the animal’s size, find out more about your legal options.